A Year of Prayer: Season One Weekday DevotionalsSample

‘Later, they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words.’ (Mark 12:13 NIV)

By this time in Mark 12, Jesus had already spoken about who he was, showing himself trustworthy and providing healing signs and wonders. His ministry had begun in spirit and in truth - and the audience here of Herodians and Pharisees were groups of religious people who purported to love the truth!

But sometimes, other agendas can creep in, even for the most righteous or seemingly devout. What seems ‘right to us indeed’ becomes no longer right when we have nothing to measure against. Even the law and commands can become bent to human will.

Christ is the only true and honest measure of goodness, morality, and right action. Jesus is and was the only one born without sin. But how strange that many never seemed to seek or recognise this Truth walking amongst them. Even his own disciples frequently guessed his motivations rather than asking him, misunderstood his meaning, and missed his resurrection amongst them as they went about their lives!

Maybe it is because when the truth comes, all that is untrue is revealed. How frightening to have all we held close be tested in the full light of day! Let us be honest, humble, open, and repentant as we come to the Christ who sees. This is a Saviour who will not be tricked, trapped, or humiliated. This is our Lord who, most of all, calls us beloved, family, and truest friend.

Will you give up all else to follow him?

Prayer: Jesus, show me your truth and let me release all else. What a relief that will be!

Action: Reflect on this: what is something you once held to be true or thought was true, and then you found out it wasn’t? Share with a friend how that might relate to other aspects of your life or learnings of the spiritual life.